The solemn, foreboding room with the light coming in through the two high windows symbolises the vengeful wrath of God possibly due to the church/town attitude to the current events in Salem links to Proctor saying Parris preaches evil and death and money not religion.
Jutting beams and random width board symbolise the mayhem, not doing their jobs correctly they are rushed jobs of the town.
Long meeting table with stools and a “considerable” arm chair at the end of it shows the power of that person or their materialistic nature that isn’t supposed to be in Salem society.
Possibly symbolise Danforth's Power and pride which is shown in the duration of the scene.
Hearing the court scene without showing it shows the emptiness of the room as well as explains that which is happening and starts that which will happen for the scene without the character saying “X,Y, and Z” have happened
There is no stage direction for Francis to enter Why? Possibly listening in on conversation and waiting to say his piece or Miller forgot
Pages 91 - 105 (WIP):
Blunt answers, repetition of 'sir' (sir = respect/fear, Mary Warren is weak)
"With God now" (significant line)
"I will tell you this" = condescending
"I cannot lie no more" Incorrect grammar = colloquial language, appropriate to the time. Also foreshadows the incident with Proctor's wife, Elizabeth
"Sit you down", reversal of word order, again appropriate language for the time
"Law based upon the bible" = religion rules society, even the legal system
"...her neck will break for it" = unnecessary brutality, trying to intimidate Mary Warren
"Children" = condescending, but also represents their perceived innocence in the eyes of Danforth
"[Indignant] It is a lie, sir" = overcompensating for her lying (Abbigail)
Proctor speaking out of turn ("my wife never kept no poppets") = desperation
Cheever shows proper respect by waiting for Hathorne to acknowledge him and reply
"[Furious] There might also be a five legged dragon... no one has seen it" = Proctor uses hyperbole to express exasperation with the circumstantial evidence
"I believe she means to murder" = again bluntness, significant because it is bold
"Put out of the meetin' house for laughter during prayer" reveals Abby's true character, but Tituba is blamed (because she's black)
Proctor: "Mary. Now tell... the woods", like a rehearsed command, John expects obedience
Increased choppiness (everyone is cutting everyone off) represents increasing pressure, and atmosphere of hysteria
Proctor: "Mr Parris discovered them himself in the dead of night. There's the 'child' she is!" = finally addresses the 'child' = innocence image
Hathorne asks permission to speak, and gets back to the point. Detracts from Danforth's perceived suitability for his position of authority
"I cannot hear you" = meek Mary, cannot stand the pressure
Repetition of 'faint' emphasises importance, it is a 'significant' lie
Mary looks to Proctor when she can't faint, looking for a cue and for backup
"Surely your excellency is not taken by this simple lie" = biased, desperate to sway judge's opinion, brings Danforth's authority into question again
Area of Study
Belonging
Notes on The Crucible
Act 3
Opening Stage Directions
Pages 91 - 105 (WIP):